WELCOME

Welcome to my website; my name is Peter Murray and I have been working in the Arboricultural Industry since 1989. I have many years practical experience as a climbing arborist and as a Local Authority tree officer and now I am a full time independent consultant. I hold the Higher National Diploma in Arboriculture and am a professional member of the Arboricultural Association. I keep up to date with the latest research and best practice by attending relevant courses and seminars.

Get in touch

I offer friendly, professional advice and guidance - so please feel free to contact me with any tree related issue for a no obligation discussion. Call me on 0161 425 2138 or 07920 264374.

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SERVICES OVERVIEW

  • BS5837 surveys for development to support planning applications

  • Tree risk assessment and management

  • Woodland Management

  • Pre-purchase tree reports for mortgage applications

  • Tree Preservation Order and Conservation Area advice and applications

  • Expert witness representation

  • Tree planting advice and installation

  • Trees and buildings; advice and written reports

SERVICES IN DETAIL

BS5837 surveys for development in order to support planning applications
These surveys are generally obligatory when applying for planning permission for development when there are trees on or adjacent to the application site. In the first instance the survey is meant as a starting point for development along with other constraints and once the trees are surveyed a development window can be produced. The two important factors when considering trees in relation to development are the quality of the trees and their Root Protection Area’s (RPA’s), which is an area that should be left undisturbed in order to provide adequate rooting area for retained trees. Other important factors to be taken into consideration are future growth and shading issues. The information taken at the survey includes:

  • Species
  • Stem Diameter
  • Height
  • Age Range
  • Crown Spread
  • Crown Clearance
  • Condition
  • Comments and Preliminary Recommendations
  • Estimated Remaining Contribution
  • Tree Quality Category Rating
  • Root Protection Area

Once this information is collated and formatted a Tree Constraints Plan (TCP) is produced as a two dimensional plan illustrating the crown spreads and root protection areas of the trees. This can often provide a development window and can be useful in order to inform a development design. Once a design is agreed an Arboricultural Implications Assessment (AIA) can be produced in order to assess the impact on trees to be retained within the development and during construction. The assessment also suggests mitigating measures to reduce damage to trees and recommended replacement planting. In addition an Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS) clearly details and illustrates all protective measures such as; sequence of events, tree works, tree protective fencing, ground protection, special construction methods and careful excavation.

All tree owners are encouraged to have their trees regularly inspected by a competent person whether it is a single tree within a person’s property or an entire estate. This is especially important when they affect other people who come into contact with them; most commonly adjacent footpaths and highways. A Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) provides information on the condition of trees and makes recommendations for management that can both improve them and alleviate any hazardous situations.
Woodlands often require management for various reasons; economic, habitat, diversity, amenity or a combination of some or all. In all cases a woodland survey and management plan is a good starting point and often required in order to secure funding where available.
These surveys are often required by the lender when purchasing a property if there are trees on or adjacent to the property. They inform the purchaser and the lender of the type and condition of the relevant trees and any potential problems that may occur in terms of direct damage and indirect damage.
Before carrying out works to trees it is essential that it is known whether they are protected either by a specific Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or they are located within a Conservation Area (CA). Either way an application (TPO) or notice (CA) must be sent to the Local Authority. For the TPO it is a formal planning application and can take up to eight weeks for a decision and follows similar rules as for development. However, a CA notice is different and can take up to 6 weeks and in this instance the Council cannot refuse your request and can only prevent the work by protecting the tree with a TPO.

It is often helpful to supply a report or survey in order to aid an application and indeed it is always good to be clear on what it is you are trying to achieve. Therefore, I can make an assessment of the trees and offer advice on the likely outcome of an application and prepare one for you. I can also deal with appeals should they be required.

I have often represented local authorities and private clients in relation to Planning Appeals whether they be a TPO appeal or in cases of refusal for development involving trees. Other such requirements for representation could be for insurance claims or claims for damages etc.
Choosing the right tree for the right place is vital to its long term sustainability and co-existence with persons and property. Therefore, I can offer a wide range of advice on the size and species to plant in any given location plus how to care for it in its early years. I can even obtain and plant it for you if required.
Trees and buildings can co-exist quite easily but on occasion there can be issues both direct and indirect. Direct damage is caused by branches affecting gutters and rooves or limbs and trunks affecting walls or other light structures. Roots commonly affect drains, paving or light structures. Indirect damage is the influence of the trees soil moisture uptake influencing clay soil, which can lead to subsidence or heave. Some of this damage can often be foreseen by having the trees inspected by a competent person or more commonly a report is required to support a claim or application to the Council.